Oz reiterates need to improve Medicare Advantage payment accuracy

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz highlighted areas where Medicare Advantage could improve — while reaffirming his support for the privatized Medicare program — during an event organized by the top MA lobby on Wednesday.

Oz’s comments reflect the difficult tightrope regulators in the Trump administration walk as they pursue MA reform, especially in the areas of improper overpayments and prior authorizations, without offending the powerful insurance industry.

“I came both to celebrate what you’re trying to do, but also be honest about some of the issues that we’re seeing at CMS,” Oz said during the Better Medicare Alliance’s forum in Washington, D.C. “The opportunities we have if we do this correctly are massive. I see Medicare Advantage as this essential lever arm, this tool that we can us